After the first-day rush of candidate filing in Carteret County there was one contested race already in the making and several incumbents making official their bids for re-election.

The race for the Carteret County Register of Deeds office has two candidates, with incumbent Joy Lawrence to see at least one challenger in her bid for re-election.

Jerry T. Hardesty of Beaufort, a businessman who has been active in the Republican Party, filed Monday as a Republican candidate for the office.

Hardesty said the political process has been a big part of his life and he had several people approach him about getting back involved.

“With almost a half century in business and my lifelong interest in studying historical documents, such as wills and deeds, I feel I could bring a level of professionalism and fiscal responsibility that the citizens of Carteret County would be proud of,” he said.

Lawrence, a Democrat who also lives in Beaufort, has been with the Register of Deeds office for 25 years and took over the head position six years ago. She said the office is running smoothly and she hopes to continue serving the county.

“I love my job and wouldn’t be here (filing for re-election) if I didn’t,” she said.

Carteret County Sheriff Asa Buck, a Republican from Beaufort is making a bid for a third, four-year term.

“When I ran for the office initially I said I was making a long-term commitment. I’ve enjoyed my last two terms and I feel I have made a contribution.

Buck said law enforcement is a dynamic profession and he wants to keep the office moving forward.

Clerk of County Pam Hanson, a Republican living in Morehead City, also filed for re-election and is seeking a second term.

“It’s been an amazing four years and I think we’ve accomplished a lot,” said Hanson.

She said a lot of technological improvements have been made with interoffice email to reduce paper as well as changes to improve efficiency within the office’s limited space.

The county’s Board of Commissioners and Board of Education elections also gained candidates.

Incumbent commissioners Jonathan Robinson of the Atlantic community, the current chairman, and Robin Comer of Peletier each filed for re-election.

For board veteran Robinson, a Republican holding the District 6 seat, it’s a bid for a fifth term.

“I’m pleased with the progress that has been made by the board collectively and I think something can also be said for experience,” he said.

Robinson, who also served as a state legislator, said he has some insight into the state budget process and the state budget cuts will continue to impact the county.

Comer, a Republican holding the District 1 seat, is seeking a second term.

“I’ve enjoyed serving the people of Carteret County and would like to see some ongoing things through,” he said.

Mark Mansfield, a current member of the Board of Education, has filed as a candidate for the District 3 seat on the Board of Commissioners.

With insurance affordability and the proposed critical habitat designation among issues of interest, Mansfield said he felt he could better help by serving as a commissioner.

“I want to continue to give back just in a different area,” he said.

In the nonpartisan Board of Education election, there were two candidates to file Monday, one an incumbent and one a newcomer.

Janiece C. Wall of Morehead City is a retired educator of 42 years interested in serving students and the community in a different capacity. She filed as a candidate for the District 3 seat.

“I just love education and I want to continue to contribute,” she said.

John McLean is seeking election to the District 1 seat following his appointment to the unexpired term of Adele Collins.

“Our schools are the greatest asset the county has to offer,” he said.